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Government Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Strategic Program Manager CLASSIFICATION: Exempt POSITION OVERVIEW: ADB is a Nationwide full ... government organizations. We recognize our team members as our greatest asset ensuring that their ...

Strategic Program Manager CLASSIFICATION: Exempt POSITION OVERVIEW: ADB is a Nationwide full ... government organizations. We recognize our team members as our greatest asset ensuring that their ...

S. Endoluminal Program Manager reports to the Endoluminal Program Director. The EPM plays a ... Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or ...

S. Endoluminal Program Manager reports to the Endoluminal Program Director. The EPM plays a ... Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or ...

The RPA Program Manager will interface with stakeholders throughout the enterprise to help drive ... Experience working in the utilities, higher education and state and local government sectors

Showing results 21-40

Government Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$54.6K

$120.5K

How much do government program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for government program manager in Chicago, IL is $115,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a government program manager, and why are they important?

A Government Program Manager should possess strong project management skills, budgeting expertise, and a thorough understanding of government regulations, often supported by a relevant degree and PMP or similar certification. Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, government financial systems, and procurement platforms is highly beneficial. Outstanding soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and communication help build consensus among diverse stakeholders and navigate complex bureaucratic environments. These abilities are crucial for successfully managing multi-faceted government projects while ensuring adherence to deadlines, budgets, and compliance requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by government program managers and how do they address them?

Government Program Managers often encounter challenges such as evolving policy requirements, tight budgets, and coordinating efforts between multiple agencies or departments. To address these issues, they rely on robust planning, transparent communication, and effective stakeholder engagement to anticipate changes and mitigate risks. They also stay current with regulatory updates and actively seek ways to streamline processes. Being proactive and adaptable helps them ensure projects remain on track and compliant, even in a dynamic government environment.

What is a government program manager?

A Government Program Manager oversees and coordinates government-funded programs, ensuring they meet objectives, stay within budget, and comply with regulations. They manage project timelines, lead teams, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve program goals. Responsibilities include strategic planning, risk management, and performance evaluation. Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Program jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Government Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Government Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Government Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Government Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Government Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Government Program Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Government Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Government Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,632 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

$137K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI)ย Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems.ย Lives dependย on what we do!ย 

Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) programย  - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a leading innovator in helmet mounted display technology.ย  We have an opening for a Senior Program Manager (PM) in our Aurora, IL office to support development and production programs in the military market.

This position will report to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with other departments including Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, and Contracts. Coordination with Thales Group offices in other countries may also be required to successfully execute joint programs.ย 

Responsibilities

  • Management of multiple assigned programs ensuring compliance with all Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, task definitions, schedules, budgets, program technical requirements, resource requirements and risk management on all assigned programs.
  • Provision of timely reporting to senior leadership with details on program status and performance.
  • Conduct regular cross-functional meetings to review status towards objectives and identify issues early in the program.
  • Responsible for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow-on business quotes and proposals.
  • Management of technical and financial risks and ability to lead/conduct of technical reviews.
  • As identified, responsible as capture lead for specific proposal efforts and supporting other proposal efforts with budget and schedule information.
  • Responsible for ensuring coordination of activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers as necessary to support assigned programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring effective Thales scope directions from the customer and suppliers are appropriately processed through the contract.
  • Coordinate and foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in related technical field.
  • Minimum 4-8 years as a Program Manager, including prior experience in a hands-on engineering role (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.)
  • Basic accounting and financial knowledge and profit-oriented business sense as well as effective negotiating skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% domesticallyย and internationally.

ย 

Preferred Qualificationsย 

  • US government/ DOD contracting experience/ understanding of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors highly preferred.
  • Commercial Avionics Industry background.
  • Experience working cross functionally along with a familiarity of full product lifecycle for complex systems.
  • Experience with avionics modification programs for either fixed and/or rotary wing.
  • EVMS experience.
  • PMP certification.
  • Conversational fluency in French or Korean

The annualized pay range for this role is $137,844-$176,134 along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 10%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. ย TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact the recruiter at careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws.ย  We are an E-Verify Employer.ย 

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.

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